Urbanisation in Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt metropolis, has accelerated rapidly, resulting in uncoordinated development, environmental degradation, and increased vulnerability to climate-related hazards. Architects, as key stakeholders in urban design, play a pivotal role in implementing sensitive urban planning frameworks that integrate sustainability, environmental resilience, and socio-spatial considerations. This study examines the role of architects in shaping environmentally sensitive urban development in Port Harcourt, focusing on the effectiveness of planning frameworks, the extent of professional engagement, institutional constraints, and strategies to enhance sustainable urban outcomes. A sequential mixed-methods approach was employed, combining spatial analysis, survey questionnaires, and interviews with 25 key informants, including registered architects, urban planners, and officials from planning authorities. Spatial data were used to generate heat maps illustrating levels of environmental sensitivity and compliance with planning regulations across the metropolis. Qualitative insights from key informants were triangulated with spatial outputs to understand institutional, regulatory, and professional factors influencing planning outcomes. Findings indicate that areas with active architectural involvement exhibit higher environmental sensitivity, better integration of green infrastructure, and improved compliance with zoning and development controls. Conversely, low-sensitivity zones correspond with peri-urban or marginal areas where institutional enforcement is weak, and regulatory frameworks are inconsistently applied. Institutional constraints, including fragmented governance, limited participation of architects in early planning stages, and inadequate enforcement of planning laws, were identified as significant barriers to achieving sensitive urban development. The study concludes that architects are crucial to enhancing resilient and sustainable urban development; however, their potential is contingent on strong institutional frameworks, effective policy enforcement, and stakeholder collaboration. Recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, integrating architects into planning processes, mandating environmentally responsive design standards, and fostering continuous professional development and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Lawson et al. (Wed,) studied this question.